BOSTON – On Wednesday, June 20, the Massachusetts House of Representatives and State Senate passed legislation to raise the minimum wage over a period of five years, create a framework for paid family and medical leave for most workers, phase out time-and-a-half pay on Sundays, and establish a permanent sales tax holiday.

The legislation is based on months of negotiations with stakeholders sponsoring proposed ballot questions for the November 2018 election.

“This compromise strikes the right balance of empowering employees, supporting our hardworking residents and ensuring that businesses can continue to provide good, steady jobs,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “I sincerely thank the stakeholders who came to the table and the legislators who brokered this compromise.”

“I voted for this legislation to support working families by raising the minimum wage and providing paid family and medical leave,” said Representative Benson. “These have been policy goals for a long time, and I’m glad we were able to come together and get them passed.”

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About Jen Benson

Jen Benson represents the people of the Massachusetts 37th Middlesex House District, including Acton (precincts 3, 4, 5), Ayer (precinct 2), Boxborough, Harvard, Lunenburg (precincts A, C, D), and Shirley, and is the House Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.